Join us for a Drum Social with Bear Creek, MC'd by Gordon Sands, open to Indigenous and non-Indigenous community! Relax, unwind, and connect at this community building event. Light fare will be provided and spot dance prizes to be given. Do some arts and crafts with Hart House Get Crafty!
Fill out this form to register.
This event is part of Indigenous Education Week and brought to you by an organizing committee made up of First Nations House, Sport & Rec, and Indigenous community members. Thank you to all the volunteers, staff and guests who make this event possible.
- Invited drums only.
- No honorariums provided for dancers.
- No sacred fire.
- Indoor shoes required.
Looking for more Indigenous-centric events? Check out Indigenous Education Week events from First Nations House and celebrate Indigenous identity, culture, research, community, education and much more at University of Toronto.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
General Information
What is a Drum Social?
A Drum Social is an Indigenous social gathering, centered around a shared drumming experience.
Drum Social guidelines
Invited Drums only.
There will be no sacred fire.
Unfortunately, we are unable to offer honorarium payouts for dancers. Dancers are welcome to bring their regalia.
Outdoor or street shoes are not permitted in the Drum Social venue. Please bring moccasins (or other indoor, non-scuffing shoes). Shoe covers will be provided if needed.
Please listen to the MC and enjoy!
Who is welcome?
This event is open to Indigenous and non-Indigenous community, both inside and outside of UofT.
Children are welcome, but must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. Please note, there is no place to leave strollers (wagons and other pull-vehicles are not permitted).
Who is putting on this Drum Social?
This Drum Social is hosted by an organizing group of First Nations House, UofT Sport & Rec, and Indigenous community members.
What to Bring
- Please bring indoor shoes. Outdoor or street shoes are not permitted in our venue space. Shoe covers will be provided if needed.
- You are encouraged to bring a reusable water bottle.
- Dancers are welcome to bring their regalia. Unfortunately, we are unable to offer honorarium payouts for dancers.
- There will be a designated area to leave your outdoor shoes and jackets, but please note this area will not be monitored by our staff, and we cannot be responsible for any lost belongings.
- If you prefer to lock away your belongings, please bring a lock. Lockers are available for use in the changerooms in the basement of the facility.
Venue
Admission, Registration and Arrival
Register in advance online by filling out this form. Drop-ins on the day of are welcome, but are capacity dependent.
There will be a sign in table with folks to greet you upon arrival. Participants will be given bracelets once they sign in.
This event will be held at the Athletic Centre (55 Harbord St, Toronto, On), on the second floor in the Dance Studio (drums) and Benson Student Lounge (food and quieter gathering space).
The closest entrance (stairs) will be the Huron Street entrance. Please let the front desk staff know you are here for the Drum Social, and proceed up the stairs immediately to your left to our check-in desk. Staff will be around to help guide you.
Accessible entrance (elevator access) will be through Harbord Street entrance. Please let the front desk staff know you are here for the Drum Social, and continue past the stairs to the elevator, and head up to the second floor. Once there, follow the hallway to your right, all the way down until you find our check-in table.
Getting to the venue
Parking
Paid parking is available on campus. Please visit transportation.utoronto.ca for parking locations and rates.
Limited paid street parking is also available.
Transit
This location is accessible by TTC. The closest subway station is Spadina Station. The Spadina streetcar stops at Harbord St, outside the building as well.
Biking
Outdoor bike racks are available around the building.
Access notes and accommodation
There is bench seating on one wall of the dance studio, and mixed seating (chairs, couches, stools) in the Benson Student Lounge.
The event is located on the second floor, accessible by about 20 stairs from the Huron St entrance. Elevator access to the dance studio (where the drums will be) is available from the Harbord St entrance. From the dance studio, There are about 4-5 stairs down to the Benson Student Lounge, where the food will be located.
Some lips and narrow hallways due to construction (a new elevator is coming!).
Mix of natural and overhead lights. Sport & Rec is a low scent environment.
Accessible all-gender, singlestall washrooms are located on the first floor. Binary gender, multistall washrooms are available on the second floor.
If you have accessibility needs and require accommodations, please reach out to edib.sportandrec@utoronto.ca.
Food and Drink
Will there be food?
Food prepared by our event organizers and volunteers will be provided in a potluck style. Participants are not permitted to contribute to the potluck.
Vending machines are available throughout the building. There is a Second Cup on the first floor near the main entrance on Harbord.
Please note, food will be served in the Benson Student Lounge, and is not permitted in the Dance Studio.
Can I purchase water or beverages?
We welcome you to enjoy tea in the Benson Student Lounge, and water fountains are available on site. Second Cup and vending machines are located on the first floor of the facility, and there are other stores/vendors nearby. Participants are encouraged to bring a reusable water bottle.
Photography and Video
Photography and Filming notice
Please be aware that photographs and videos may be taken during this event. By attending, you consent to the use of any images or videos that may feature you for promotional, social media, or marketing purposes related to this event. If you prefer not to be photographed or recorded, please notify the photographer/videographers onsite.